insurance companies / Best Washington Auto Insurance / car insurance companies
Washington State is the Evergreen State. With hundreds of miles of mountain and coastal highways, it’s a great place to live and drive. Nonetheless, it isn’t a cheap place to drive. Car insurance is required, and it ranks as one of the most expensive states for car insurance.
Fortunately, many insurance companies offer the necessary coverage, and that means plenty of competition among companies. Shopping around and comparing rates will likely pay dividends.
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Insurance Costs in Washington State
Washington State ranks in the upper third of states in most surveys of auto insurance costs. Various surveys show different values, but the best data indicate that Washingtonians pay an average of about $900 per year for insurance coverage.
Average cost, however, isn’t the most important factor for individual drivers. Rates vary widely.
In heavily populated areas, drivers may pay nearly twice as much for insurance.
Rates also depend on the value of your vehicle. Drivers with older vehicles living in less populated areas can expect to pay substantially less than the average, while those in major cities with new vehicles will probably pay more than the average.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Washington State requires liability coverage with the following minimum coverage amounts:
- $25,000 to cover injuries to a single individual
- $50,000 for injuries to all other people combined
- $10,000 to cover damage to others’ property
Washington’s mandatory liability coverage limit for property damage is low relative to the value of many vehicles. This low limit creates the risk of insufficient coverage for many drivers. That risk can affect both the innocent and at-fault driver if a collision occurs.
Without additional coverage, innocent drivers may wind up on the hook for damage to their vehicle.
If an accident occurs and the at-fault driver has only the mandatory lower coverage limit, it may not be sufficient to cover the cost of damages to the innocent driver’s vehicle.
The at-fault driver also faces additional risks by having insufficient coverage.
The innocent driver may be temporarily on the hook for the damage above $10,000, but they or their insurance company may sue the at-fault driver for the additional damages.
Thus, the at-fault driver risks other assets, including other vehicles and even homes, because they have insufficient auto insurance coverage.
Other Common Coverage Options
Many other types of coverage are available in Washington State. Each coverage type is available with limits and deductibles. General descriptions are provided below. Actual policies may have additional options or restrictions.–Personal Injury Protection Policies
All insurance companies are required to offer personal injury protection coverage. The nature of policies varies. They may cover medical costs, lost income and funeral expenses.
–Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Policies
These policies provide coverage for both property damage and personal injury resulting from an accident in which an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault.
–Collision Policies
These policies cover damage to the driver’s car resulting from a collision regardless of fault.
–Comprehensive Policies
These policies cover damage to the driver’s car resulting from events not related to collisions. Covered events may include storm, flood, or vandalism damage.
Mandatory Insurance Law
Washington State requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. Proof of insurance must be presented to obtain a driver’s license, and must be carried with the driver at all times.
Insurance companies are required to provide policy holders with an insurance identification card. The card must convey:
- Policy number
- Policy effective dates
- Type of policy
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle identification number
- Name of the driver
Failure to present an insurance identification card when requested by police results in a traffic infraction. The infraction carries a fine of $450.
If the court requires the driver to attend courses, the driver is also responsible for course fees.
Drivers licensed in other states must comply with the state insurance mandate while driving in Washington State. Many insurance policies provide temporary coverage for appropriate other states, but it’s worthwhile to check the policy before traveling.
Auto Insurance Companies in Washington State
Almost all major national insurance companies offer policies in Washington State. There are also several regional insurance carriers that offer policies in the state, some of which are profiled below. Drivers can compare prices online or visit a local agent.
Country Financial
Country Financial operates in 17 states. It has been in business for over 80 years. It offers car insurance in Washington State directly through its website or through its agent network. Country Financial discounts include:
- College graduate
- Good student
- Bundled Policies
- Anti-theft devices
- Defensive driver
- Engaged couple
- Additional driver training
- Multiple vehicles
- New vehicle
Grange Insurance Group
Grange Insurance Group is a Seattle-based mutual insurance company founded in 1894. The company serves Washington and five other western states and sells auto insurance through independent dealers. The company’s discounts for auto insurance include:
- Good Student
- Bundled Policies
- Accident-free
- Completion of Senior Driver Improvement
- Multiple vehicles
Mutual of Enumclaw
Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company originated in 1898. The company serves customers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah, and boasts an A-grade financial strength ranking from A.M. Best Company.
It offers car insurance products through independent agents, and provides the following discounts:
- Good student
- Bundled Policies
- AAA Discount
- Mature Driver (over 55)
- Multiple vehicles
Oregon Mutual
Oregon Mutual Insurance claims the title of the “oldest mutual insurance company west of the Mississippi.” The company serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada.
It retains an “excellent” financial rating from A.M. Best Company. Oregon mutual sells its products through independent agents. It offers the following policy discounts:
- Customer loyalty
- Bundled Policies
- Safe Driving
Overall, Washington State has a great selection of insurance companies with a wide variety of products. The variety of products and companies serving the state gives drivers plenty of opportunities to get a great price, but it also means great prices are harder to find.
As always, comparison shopping is the key to finding the best service and rates.
Simply enter your zip code into the free comparison tool below now!
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